Publication Date: 30th August 2006/Updated 2nd September
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UK ARTISTS NOMINATED ALONGSIDE US GIANTS - AGAIN...
As the Music Of Black Origin awards returns, Jazz loses out as gospel is reinstated...
Though many might be reluctant to admit it, MOBO still has something to offer the profile of gospel music in the UK. As the unassailable leading event in the Black music calendar in the UK, a gospel music category goes some way in flagging and/or reminding the world of the existence of the industry...
> It's a bit like buying a compilation album to listen to a variety of tracks you like: in
addition to the stuff you bought the CD for, chances are you might come across a
couple of gems you would have otherwise missed.
The MOBOs has undergone something of a transformation in the last few years, arguably losing crediblity in the eyes many, as it sought to bring Black music to the mainstream (I'm guessing this was both a survival tactic as well as a marketing necessity. You could argue that the long-term endurance of the event probably lies in its growth as a 'mainstream', as opposed to a 'Black' or 'Urban' brand, but hey, that's just my opinion...)
> It's a bit like buying a compilation album to listen to a variety of tracks you like: in
addition to the stuff you bought the CD for, chances are you might come across a
couple of gems you would have otherwise missed.
The MOBOs has undergone something of a transformation in the last few years, arguably losing crediblity in the eyes many, as it sought to bring Black music to the mainstream (I'm guessing this was both a survival tactic as well as a marketing necessity. You could argue that the long-term endurance of the event probably lies in its growth as a 'mainstream', as opposed to a 'Black' or 'Urban' brand, but hey, that's just my opinion...)
Anyway, this is the first of a short multi-part report on the UK gospel angle of the 2006 MOBOs. This time around MOBO has dropped the Jazz category and reinstated gospel, (so Jazz heads are probably going through the same "What, no Jazz....?!!!?" reactions we went through with gospel last year)...
This first part brings the response of one of the three UK entries for MOBO 2006, London-based ALAN CHARLES, who was just as surprised as almost anyone else to receive a nomination. Later on this week (or maybe early next week), I'll round off this piece with views and a response from one of the UK's most consistent ambassadors of the modern UK gospel sound, NOEL ROBINSON, whose nomination is unlikely to have come as a shock to anyone.
In case you're interested, NOEL and ALAN are in the 'BEST GOSPEL' category alongside Birmingham's NU LIFE, MARY MARY and KIRK FRANKLIN. Before you despair about the Americans automatically picking up the award, a quick reminder: MOBO 2004 went to
This first part brings the response of one of the three UK entries for MOBO 2006, London-based ALAN CHARLES, who was just as surprised as almost anyone else to receive a nomination. Later on this week (or maybe early next week), I'll round off this piece with views and a response from one of the UK's most consistent ambassadors of the modern UK gospel sound, NOEL ROBINSON, whose nomination is unlikely to have come as a shock to anyone.
In case you're interested, NOEL and ALAN are in the 'BEST GOSPEL' category alongside Birmingham's NU LIFE, MARY MARY and KIRK FRANKLIN. Before you despair about the Americans automatically picking up the award, a quick reminder: MOBO 2004 went to
RAYMOND & CO in similar company. So, are you gonna vote or what...?
Yinka Awojobi
Content Development
UK Gospel.com
Yinka Awojobi
Content Development
UK Gospel.com
ALAN CHARLES
HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT YOUR NOMINATION...?
I received an email on Friday 18th from someone at MOBO requesting
information about the record label for ALAN CHARLES (Focus Arts).
I replied "what exactly do you want to know"? and thought nothing of it.
The next day Saturday 19th I received an email from a friend just giving
general information on what's happening on the gospel scene. The headline for one was "NOEL ROBINSON has been nominated for a MOBO award (Best Gospel Act 2006) we would like to congratulate NOEL on his nomination". It went on: "other nominees include ALAN CHARLES, KIRK FRANLIN, MARY MARY and NU LIFE". So I quickly went on to MOBO website and there I was in black and white - a MOBO nominee for Best Gospel 2006.
YOUR FIRST RESPONSE TO THE NEWS?
Well, I had just arrived home from doing a gig in Wolverhampton and it was about 3am Sunday morning and I was very tired. I had to rub my eyes a couple times to make sure I was reading the right thing. When it all sank in I calmly turned to my wife and said "babes, I have been nominated for a MOBO award (Best Gospel)..."
I received an email on Friday 18th from someone at MOBO requesting
information about the record label for ALAN CHARLES (Focus Arts).
I replied "what exactly do you want to know"? and thought nothing of it.
The next day Saturday 19th I received an email from a friend just giving
general information on what's happening on the gospel scene. The headline for one was "NOEL ROBINSON has been nominated for a MOBO award (Best Gospel Act 2006) we would like to congratulate NOEL on his nomination". It went on: "other nominees include ALAN CHARLES, KIRK FRANLIN, MARY MARY and NU LIFE". So I quickly went on to MOBO website and there I was in black and white - a MOBO nominee for Best Gospel 2006.
YOUR FIRST RESPONSE TO THE NEWS?
Well, I had just arrived home from doing a gig in Wolverhampton and it was about 3am Sunday morning and I was very tired. I had to rub my eyes a couple times to make sure I was reading the right thing. When it all sank in I calmly turned to my wife and said "babes, I have been nominated for a MOBO award (Best Gospel)..."
She is from Trinidad so the MOBO doesn't mean anything to her. She asked: "what is a MOBO?" I explained that it's like the Grammies, but an English version. She kissed me on the forehead said "well done", and retired to bed.
I was bubbling up inside. I could not believe it. It was more of an inward excitement rather than and outward excitement, but I am over the moon.
AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU...?
It means that that the Lord hears the cries of his children. Sometimes you can find yourself questioning God and your ministry, especially when you have been around for years like myself and you feel that no one notices or appreciates you...
You look around and it seems like everyone else is excelling in his or her ministry and you seem to be stuck in a rut. It means that God still has his David that he will take from obscurity (caring
for sheep) and exalt them to their destiny (King of Israel).
It means that my hard work and determination has not gone unnoticed, and it's an
I was bubbling up inside. I could not believe it. It was more of an inward excitement rather than and outward excitement, but I am over the moon.
AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU...?
It means that that the Lord hears the cries of his children. Sometimes you can find yourself questioning God and your ministry, especially when you have been around for years like myself and you feel that no one notices or appreciates you...
You look around and it seems like everyone else is excelling in his or her ministry and you seem to be stuck in a rut. It means that God still has his David that he will take from obscurity (caring
for sheep) and exalt them to their destiny (King of Israel).
It means that my hard work and determination has not gone unnoticed, and it's an
encouragement to the little people of the gospel to continue in your walk continue crafting your gift and God will reward you. It means that when man fails to see you God sees and knows...
It means that if God can use the stammering lips of one like me he can do exceedingly abundantly more with others who are willing to do his will. It means that God deserves the highest praise for working out this miracle whereby ALAN CHARLES is a MOBO nominee. It means that I am BLESSED, it in no way means I am one of the BEST. It means that this is my season, this is my time, and this is my moment.
THOUGHTS ON WHO MIGHT PICK UP THE AWARD...?
I have won already for I am on the winning side of Jesus. I am going to be honest here: the nomination came out of the blue, and no one would have even thought about throwing my name into the hat, including myself.
I don't know how it happened, or who brought my stuff to the attention of MOBO.
But who knows? The same God who set up kingdoms and brought down kingdoms is the same God who can award me the prize. Think about this: KIRK and MARY MARY don't need it, NU
It means that if God can use the stammering lips of one like me he can do exceedingly abundantly more with others who are willing to do his will. It means that God deserves the highest praise for working out this miracle whereby ALAN CHARLES is a MOBO nominee. It means that I am BLESSED, it in no way means I am one of the BEST. It means that this is my season, this is my time, and this is my moment.
THOUGHTS ON WHO MIGHT PICK UP THE AWARD...?
I have won already for I am on the winning side of Jesus. I am going to be honest here: the nomination came out of the blue, and no one would have even thought about throwing my name into the hat, including myself.
I don't know how it happened, or who brought my stuff to the attention of MOBO.
But who knows? The same God who set up kingdoms and brought down kingdoms is the same God who can award me the prize. Think about this: KIRK and MARY MARY don't need it, NU
LIFE are young, blessed, talented and beautiful and will have many other opportunities for MOBO...
NOEL: well he is an old crusader; done that been there, and bought the T-shirt. He is a living legend (LOL), then there is me. Can I win...? No.
Can God give it to me...? YES, He can...
FIRST HEARD....?
I first heard about it from a friend on MySpace... who congratulated me
on the nomination.
I thought that it was a mistake... a few hours later several others also
congratulated me... then we checked and found out it was true...
NOEL: well he is an old crusader; done that been there, and bought the T-shirt. He is a living legend (LOL), then there is me. Can I win...? No.
Can God give it to me...? YES, He can...
FIRST HEARD....?
I first heard about it from a friend on MySpace... who congratulated me
on the nomination.
I thought that it was a mistake... a few hours later several others also
congratulated me... then we checked and found out it was true...
LINKS
NOEL ROBINSON
FIRST RESPONSE...?
Surprise.
...AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU? YOU'VE BEEN HERE BEFORE, HAVEN'T YOU...?
I am honoured to be nominated by such a prestigious award ceremony. And yes, this is third nomination over the years that the MOBO has existed.
The fact that they still have Gospel award suggest that we as the gospel community still have an
impact in the music arena. To be nominated is the highlight of this year so far as I have just released a new album (GARMENT OF PRAISE)...
THOUGHTS ON WHO MIGHT ACTUALLY PICK UP THE AWARD...?
Well KIRK FRANKLIN and MARY MARY are the Americans in this category and I think maybe they would. But if the British people do want to vote, and then vote British, any one of us guys could pick it up...
I am hoping a British act does...
Surprise.
...AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU? YOU'VE BEEN HERE BEFORE, HAVEN'T YOU...?
I am honoured to be nominated by such a prestigious award ceremony. And yes, this is third nomination over the years that the MOBO has existed.
The fact that they still have Gospel award suggest that we as the gospel community still have an
impact in the music arena. To be nominated is the highlight of this year so far as I have just released a new album (GARMENT OF PRAISE)...
THOUGHTS ON WHO MIGHT ACTUALLY PICK UP THE AWARD...?
Well KIRK FRANKLIN and MARY MARY are the Americans in this category and I think maybe they would. But if the British people do want to vote, and then vote British, any one of us guys could pick it up...
I am hoping a British act does...
LINKS
Next up: NU LIFE'S Estella
HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT YOUR NOMINATION?
We had calls from few members of our families, after some had been on your
site. Everyone was really excited for us, and as ever, we were like ..."say
what?!" Then, DIONNE and I got a text from MARYANNE about it.
YOUR FIRST RESPONSE TO THE NEWS?
We thought it was cool, because for us, its a honour to be recognised for what
we do, and love doing. We were not at the same place, at that time, so personally, my initial thoughts were "so, who's in this category...?".
I'm pretty sure DIONNE and MARYANNE thought the same thing too. When we heard the other nominees were MARY MARY, NOEL ROBINSON, ALAN CHARLES and KIRK FRANKLIN, we were like "OK..."
Up to now, I think we're still lost for words. We've not said much! But we are very happy, mostly honoured. Also, we're happy for our Record label, 5AM, as they've worked really hard with us, and for us in the background, doing their best to push our debut album; and of
We had calls from few members of our families, after some had been on your
site. Everyone was really excited for us, and as ever, we were like ..."say
what?!" Then, DIONNE and I got a text from MARYANNE about it.
YOUR FIRST RESPONSE TO THE NEWS?
We thought it was cool, because for us, its a honour to be recognised for what
we do, and love doing. We were not at the same place, at that time, so personally, my initial thoughts were "so, who's in this category...?".
I'm pretty sure DIONNE and MARYANNE thought the same thing too. When we heard the other nominees were MARY MARY, NOEL ROBINSON, ALAN CHARLES and KIRK FRANKLIN, we were like "OK..."
Up to now, I think we're still lost for words. We've not said much! But we are very happy, mostly honoured. Also, we're happy for our Record label, 5AM, as they've worked really hard with us, and for us in the background, doing their best to push our debut album; and of
course, this is an opportunity for them too, to be recognised for what they do as well. So, the whole team are really excited, and pleased.
And then, of course...Thank you Lord, for favor.
AND WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU?
For the 3 of us now, i think we recognise that when you do something, with much prayer and supplication, the right heart, spirit, and motivation; combined with God's wisdom, and jolly-well hard work, in one way or another, it will always pay off.
It means that God is Glorified!! And will continue to be magnified in the music industry, through the gospel avenue. Lets keep biggin' up God in this industry as a whole. We are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for "it" (the gospel) is the Power unto salvation, to everyone that believes."
It means we have a responsibility to "Truly" represent!! It also means that this is just a means to an end. We have not arrived yet!! It's exciting for us because there are more possible windows
And then, of course...Thank you Lord, for favor.
AND WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU?
For the 3 of us now, i think we recognise that when you do something, with much prayer and supplication, the right heart, spirit, and motivation; combined with God's wisdom, and jolly-well hard work, in one way or another, it will always pay off.
It means that God is Glorified!! And will continue to be magnified in the music industry, through the gospel avenue. Lets keep biggin' up God in this industry as a whole. We are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for "it" (the gospel) is the Power unto salvation, to everyone that believes."
It means we have a responsibility to "Truly" represent!! It also means that this is just a means to an end. We have not arrived yet!! It's exciting for us because there are more possible windows
and doors of opportunities.
Opportunities not just for NU LIFE and 5AM, but for the whole British Gospel industry. It makes us more hopeful, because the Gospel, through music WILL achieve what its set out to do, regardless of which vocals its sung through, musician it played by, and even writers its composed by. There's greatness in Great Britain! And it's wonderful to be apart of the "bigger" picture. That's what is all about.
THOUGHTS ON WHO MIGHT PICK UP THE AWARD?
First of all, NU LIFE thanks the "whosoever(s)" for even considering us to be in this category.
It's really difficult for us to say who may pick this one up, because its still a pleasant surprise, and again, an honour to be nominated in the first place. So, WELL DONE to everyone for doing an excellent job
The other nominees in this category are all talented, and just brilliant in their own right, so who knows?
Opportunities not just for NU LIFE and 5AM, but for the whole British Gospel industry. It makes us more hopeful, because the Gospel, through music WILL achieve what its set out to do, regardless of which vocals its sung through, musician it played by, and even writers its composed by. There's greatness in Great Britain! And it's wonderful to be apart of the "bigger" picture. That's what is all about.
THOUGHTS ON WHO MIGHT PICK UP THE AWARD?
First of all, NU LIFE thanks the "whosoever(s)" for even considering us to be in this category.
It's really difficult for us to say who may pick this one up, because its still a pleasant surprise, and again, an honour to be nominated in the first place. So, WELL DONE to everyone for doing an excellent job
The other nominees in this category are all talented, and just brilliant in their own right, so who knows?
LINKS
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